"Death sentence for Saddam Hussein is a dangerous sign for the region. The new Iraq risks being built on revenge, instead of respect of the fundamental human values". This was said by René van der Linden, president of the Parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe, on commenting the sentence issued by the Court of Baghdad, which sentenced the ex Iraqi dictator to be hanged. "The crimes committed by Saddam stated Van der Linden are abominable, and it is only fair that he should be punished for them. But death sentence is an evil thing, even for the most atrocious offences. I ask the Iraqi authorities not to execute this sentence". Death penalty is not in force in any one of the 46 member states of the Council of Europe.
